Awning



Filed Aug. 26, 1941 H, 1951 J. OTTI 2,577,800

AWNING 57Sheet sSheet 2 I WINVENTOR J OTTl AWNING Dec. 11, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 26, 19 4l F/QJG.

' (INVENTOR Patented Dec. 11, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AWNING Joseph Otti, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Application August 26, 1941, Serial No. 408,312

8 Claims.'. (Cl. 189--62) My invention is directed to adjustable window awnings of the general type embodying a plurality of pivotally mounted and adjustable louvers, and to the particular features thereof as more fully hereinafter set forth.

It is an important object of my invention to provide an exterior window awning having manually controllable adjustable louvers and which embodies features which overcome the objectionable features of rattling, insecure means of mounting and present inadaptability for mounting upon either removable screens or upon stationary window frames.

It is an important object of this invention to provide an adjustable window awning or blind with pivoted louvers which includes a connecting member or link for moving the respective louvers in parallelism and unison and which embodies a novel arrangement of pivoting elements also provided with springs which prevent rattling of the louvers usually caused by wind.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a construction for exterior awnings or blinds adapted for convenient and quick mounting upon window frames or removable screens which embodies a construction of the frame, a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted therein and one or more connecting link members mounted between the end or ends of said louvers and the frame side members so as to substantially exclude dust, rain and other elements from entry between the ends and adjacent edges of the re-- spective louvers and between the ends of the louvers and the frame with respect to which they are mounted.

Other and further important objects of my invention will be apparent from the following description and appended claims.

On the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an outside elevation view of one typical form of window awning embodying my invention mounted upon a conventional window frame.

' Fig. 2 is an outside elevation of an awning not mounted on a window frame. I

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one typical form of window awning embodying my invention and hingedly mounted upon a frame which may be either a removable one or the stationary window frame.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view partially in crosssection of one of the control mechanisms for activating the louvers of the awning; v

Fig. 5 isanother view of optional structure of the outside control arm used when mounting upon an awning.

Fig. 6 is an inside elevation of awning as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an inside elevation of awning as shown in Fig.2.

, Fig. 8 is a view looking at the underside of bers in horizontal cross section and with .edge

parts thereof broken away.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view on vertical plane taken on a vertical line interme diate the side of the frame of Fig. 1, and looking toward left side of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the typical louvers with end wings or flanges provided with apertures for the pivoting means and clips for springs as hereinafter described.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the lowermost louver and stabilizing control bar, showing the construction of the ends thereof.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on vertical plane showing a slightly modi fied construction of a louver connecting link, and showing two of the louvers in cross section.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on a horizontal plane through a fragment of my invention, showing the side member of the metal frame, a portion of one of the louvers, the louver connecting link, and the spring means for preventing rattling of the louvers.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the lower side edge portion of a conventional window frame, showing the position of the control mech-. anism rod in said-frame and showing the spac provided for the window sash weights.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on a horizontal plane of my manual operating connection between the awning and a rotatable shaft, which shaft extends through a stationary window frame into a room, the awning itself being mounted on a typical window screen frame.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral I0 is a substantially rectangular wood screen frame which is usually composed of parallel side truss bars and upper and lower cross bars, all suitably connected together. The screen frame I0 is partially shown in Figs. 2 and 7. Reference numeral H designates either a rectangular or square frame, preferably made of metal and comprising upper and lower cross bars preferably formed of right angled angle iron, these bars being designated by reference numerals l2 and I3 respectively, each of which have their integral outwardly projecting flanges l2a and I3a respectively. The side members of the frame are also preferably made of right angled angle iron whose ends are suitably connected to the upper and lower cross bars, as for example by welding or the like, these side bars or side trusses being designated by numerals I4 and I5 respectively. These side bars also have their respective right angled integral flanges Ma and I5a projecting perpendicularly therefrom. It will be noted that the respective adjoining ends of the aforesaid perpendicularly extending flanges are suitably secured together, as for example by welding or other suitable connecting means.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the metal frame II is shown as suitably secured to the outer flat surface of a removable screen frame usually made of wood and by a plurality of spaced apart screws I6 which pass through apertures thereof into wood members of the screen frame or into the members of a stationary window frame.

It will be noted that the outermost projecting edge of the upper cross bar flange I2 is bent backwardly upon itself substantially as illustrated in Fig. 10, thus providing a back turned flange In; which receives and cooperates with a hereinafter described portion of the uppermost louvre to form an effective seal against entry of rain, snow or the like. As shown in Fig. 11, each of the louvres designated by reference numeral I1 is formed of sheet metal having the upper longitudinal edge of each thereof bent backwardly and forwardly and then backwardly upon itself as clearly illustrated to form a protruding edge flange I8. Each of the longitudinally extending flanges I3 is adapted to cooperate with lower edge flange of the adjacent louvre thereabove in the manner illustrated in Fig. to form a satisfactory seal against weather, dust, etc. and thereby prevent entry of rain and snow when the blind or awning unit is closed. The flanges I8 also impart strength and rigidity to each of the louvers.

Each of the louvers I1 has its lower longitudinal edge gradually curved and bent to define a hook in cross section substantially as illustrated in Figs. 10-l1 and 13, these protective flanges being designated by numeral I9. Each of the louvers have integral end wings or flanges and M respectively, which are bent at right angles with respect to the main portion of each louver. Each of .the flanges 20 and 2I are provided with a pair of spaced apart apertures substantially as illustrated in Fig. 11 to provide for mounting of the pivot means hereinafter described. Each of the louvers n, other than the lowermost louvers of the frame has its end flanges 20 and 2|, provided with one aperture which is adapted to engage a suitably mounted pivot.

The lowermost louver of each awning is preferably constructed in the manner shown in Fig. 8, and the general construction of which is substantially identical to that of the remaining louvers described with reference to Fig. 11, because in each instance the end wings or flanges 23 and 2| are of equal size and both thereof are provided with a pair of spaced apart apertures 26 and 21 respectively.

The lowermost louver illustrated in Fig. 12 is mounted in a pivoting position between the side bars I4 and I5 respectively by means of a longitudinal rod 22 whose opposite ends are sufliciently long so that they are mounted in and project through the integral end flanges or wings '20 and 2I,and also project through apertures in the lower portions of the, side bars .l4 and I5 respectively. These apertures are so located as to pivotally mount the lowermost louver in the position illustrated in Fig. 10, so that its'lower curved flange I3 will overlie the back turned edge of the lower horiitontal cross bar I3'as shown in Fig. 10'.

Referring to Figs. 8-10 and 12, the operation and movements of lowermost louver I1 is based upon the action of control rod 22. Crank arms 23 are secured to each end of rod 22,. Pivot pins 24 are screwed into suitable apertures in bar 22 forming axles upon which bar 22 rotates. Pivot pins 24 extend through suitable apertures in side angles I4 and I5. One of the crank arms 23 has an aperture 21a to receive one of the studs 28 in link 28a to operate one side of awning in unison with opposite side. At the opposite end rod 22, crank 23 has threaded hole 21b into which is screwed pin 30. Link 28a at this side at its lower portion is provided with aperture 28?), see Figs. 4 and 5, through which passes stud pin 30, and as the bar 22 is rotated, the links 28a on both sides of the awning move in unison to operate the louvers I1.

The lowermost louver I1 is mounted upon control rod 22 by soldering, welding, or otherwise, securing flanges 20 and 2I of louver II to crank flanges 23 on rod 22. The stud pins 28 pass thru holes 21 in louver I1. One of the pins 23 in link 28a passes through hole 21 in louver I1 and through 21a in crank flange 23 on bar 22. At, the opposite side, stud pin 30 passes through hole 21 to be engaged with link or rod 32.

Each of Figs. 4 and 5 discloses contemplated portions of the actuating means for my improved awning. In Fig. 4 the bar 22 is rigidly secured preferably to the lowermost louver as I! (not shown in this figure). The bar or rod 22 is provided with a crank arm 23, which is preferably also secured by suitable means to an end flange or Wing of a louver I1 as shown in Fig. 8. The pin or stud 24 is coaxial with the bar 22 and is received rotatively in an apertured portion of a side frame member I4. The crank arm 23 has a screw threaded aperture 21b receiving the screw threaded stud or bolt 28 which passes loosely through the lower end of the link 32 and also passes through an arcuate slot 3|, Fig. 10, of a side frame member I4. The bolt 28 passes through a bearing aperture 23b in the link 2811. The link 32 is actuated by a shaft 38 carrying a crank arm 31 secured in flxed position by a cross pin 40. The stud or stub shaft 36 loosely engages the slot 35 to propel the link 32 when the shaft 38 is manually operated. Since the link 32 at bolt 28 moves in an arcuate path at right angles to crank arm 31 there must be sufflcient clearance between stud 36 and slotted portion 35 to provide 101 angular movement of link 32 relative to the stud 36 without binding. The uide slot 33 in link 32 receives slidably the guide pin 34. The guide pin 34 is fixedly mounted on the flange I4a of the frame side member I4, see Fig. 1. The stud 36 and pin 34 are preferably headless but are of sufficient length to maintain themselves normally in assembled operative relation with the link 32 as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 represents a modified construction substantially equivalent to the construction disclosed in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5 the link 32 discloses arcuate movement at both of its ends and the arcs described are at right angles to each other. The propelling shaft 38' carries the crank arm 31' fixed to the shaft by the cross pin 40'. The rod or bar 22 is rigidly secured to a louver such as I1, Fig. 2. The bar 22' is provided with a crank arm 23 which in turn is secured to an end flange 2I such as shown in Figs. 8 and 12. The pin 24' is secured in coaxial relation to one end of the bar or rod 22 and is received in a bearing of a frame side member I4. The end portion of the crank arm 23" is provided with a screw threaded aperture receiving the threaded bolt 28'. The bolt 28 passes through an arcuate slot, such as 3| of Fig. 10, located in a side frame member, such as I4 and bolt 28 also passes through an apertured bearing 28b in the louver connecting link 28a.

There is a crank arm at opposite ends of the rod or bar 22 as shown in both Figs. 8 and 12 and each crank arm with its bolt and stud 28 simultaneously, when propelled by the link 32 and 32, actuates the louver links pivotally connected to the flanged ends of the louvers l1.

Since the link 32' is propelled into opposite arcuate directions, that is, the arcs described are at right angles to each other, it is self-evident that the joints with the bolt 28 and the stud 36' must have an ample amount of clearance to prevent binding action-on the ends of the link 32 and the bolt 28' as well as the stud 36. Although the joints aforesaid are not universal joints, they do to a limited extent perform the functions of universal joints.

Referring to Figs. and 13, reference numerals 25 designate a plurality of studs which have one end of each thereof suitable secured, as for example by riveting or equivalent means, in suitably spaced apart apertures of each of the side bar flanges l4 and I5 respectively. The apertur es and said pivot studs 25 are so located as to provide for overlapping of the respective longitudinal lower and upper edge flanges of the respective louvers in the manner illustrated in Figs. 10 and 13. The pivot studs 25 project a relatively short distance inwardly from the side bar flanges l4 and I5 respectively, that is, a distance surficient so that the outer portions of said pivot studs 25 will project through the central apertures 23 of the respective end flanges and 2| of the louvers. It will be noted from the drawings that the respective louvers pivotally or hingedly turn on the inwardly projecting studs 25 to permit positioning of said louvers in any one of the plurality positions, one of the extreme open positions thereof being illustrated in dotted lines of Fig. 10.

- It will be noted that the substantial triangular shape of the end flanges or wings 20 and 2|, at least at the left-hand end of the louvers, is such that the most inwardly projecting portion thereof will always lie in a vertical plane outwardly of a plane passing through the respective pivot studs 25. The innermost corner portions of each of the end wings or flanges 2|! and 2| is provided with a suitable aperture 21 as illustrated in Fig. 11, the outer projecting portion of the studs 28 rotatively and pivotally engaged in the respective spaced apart apertures 21. The studs 28 are all secured in a corresponding position as to connecting link 28a and with respect to and equal distances from the respective studs 25.

The end flanges or wings 2t and 2| of each of the louvers other than the lowermost one are connected together by an elongated metal strap or link 28a shown in side elevation of Fig. 10, this metal link having a plurality of spaced apart apertures therein into which the outer ends of the respective studs 28 are securely mounted by riveting, welding, or other suitable manner. It is to be noted that the width of the louver connecting link 28a is such that ample clearance is provided between its outer longitudinal edge and the inwardly turned integral flange of the left-hand perpendicularly extending flange M, as well as betweensaid-conneeting link and the'studs 25.

6 This permits maximum opening and closing positions of the louvers, and which positions are illustrated in Fig. 10.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 13, it will be noted that the lower portion of the perpendicularly extending frame bar flange M is provided with an arcuate slot 3| which is concentric with the axis of the rod 22, on which the lowermost louver is pivotally mounted. A suitable stud 30 forming a pivot extends through and moves in the arcuate slot 3| and extends through the upper aperture 21 of the louver end flange 2| and has its inner end suitably secured in the upper aperture of the metal member 23. This pivot, 30, having nut 33a is therefore stationarily mounted with respect to the end flange 2| of the lowermost louver and projects perpendicularly therefrom, through the arcuate slot 3|, and its outer portion is enlarged or headed and it has pivotally mounted thereon the lower end of a connecting arm 32 which connects the strap or link 28a and the lowermost louver to the operating mecha nism hereinafter described; the movement of the operating mechanism being transmitted through said connecting arm 32.

Said connecting arm preferably, though not necessarily is of substantially right angled shape, and has its intermediate portion provided with a longitudinally extending guide slot 33 as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. A stud 34 is secured at one end thereof to the side member Ma of the awning frame and projects through and rides in said connecting arm slot 33 to guide said connecting arm 32 for reciprocating movement. The upper end of said connecting arm 32 is bent at substantially right angles and projects outwardly from the side bar flange Ma, and said angularly bent end is provided with suitable horizontally, or transversely extending slot 35 which is engaged by and co-operates with a projecting shoulder screw 36, extending from crank lever 31. Crank 3? is secured to shaft 38 by pin 40.

The operating mechanism for manually operating and controlling the louvers of the awning, is illustrated in Figs. 6-7 and 16 respectively. Referring to Fig. 16, numeral 38 designates a metal shaft which is suitably journalled at its outer portion adjacent to crank 31 by bushing 38a, either in the stationary window frame itself or in some instances may likewise be journalled in a side member of a removable screen or other frame.

The rotation of shaft 38 will rock or partially rotate the relatively short connecting lever or crank 31 on shaft 38 which is provided at its free end with a perpendicularly extending stud 36. Such movement will thereby be transmitted to move the connecting bar or connecting link 32 vertically in upper or downward direction through sliding engaging of stud 36, in the upper slot 35 of said connecting bar 32. The vertical movement of said connecting bar 32 will in turn move the rod 22, on the lowermost louver, the metal connecting link 2811, and the remaining louvers are moved in unison and to the same degree to maintain the same in parallelism in the manner hereinbefore described.

It will be noted in case the control mechanism is mounted upon the screen frame as shown in Figs. 2, 5, and 7, the connecting link 32 at its upper end is connected to crank 31 by shoulder screw 36, and slot 35. When the frame l2, l3, l4, IS with the louvers therein are swung on the hinges 6| it is to be noted that the preferred construction as shown in Fig. 4 shows a screw or 7 pin 36 which is, not provide w h. a head h e y providing for a separation of the link 82 and the pin 36.

The frame may be secured in a closed condition by means of a hook and eye construction, such as 63, 64, and -65 of Fig. 16. Of course, any other equivalent means (not shown) could be used.

In Figs. 13 and 14, I have illustrated one form of my invention which embodies a slightly modified form of a connecting link 56 which extends from a point below the lowermost studs 25 and points adjacent the lower flange I3a to points adjacent and above the uppermost pivot 28 when the latter is in its uppermost position.

It will be noted from Fig. 13 that the con.- necting member or connecting link 56 is provided with a plurality of spaced apart arcuate slots 51, which are so positioned as to permit longitudinal or upward and downward movement of the connecting link 56 during simultaneous closing and opening movement of the respective louvers; in other words, as the louvers are rocked upon their pivots 25, pivotal movement takes place between the end flanges of the louvers and the respective pivots 28. In such movements of the louvers and said longitudinal connecting member, any given point or part of said connecting link defines an arcuate path substantially within the dimension of the arcuate slots 51. An important advantage of this connecting link, which is substantially wider in transverse dimension than the connecting link shown in the first form hereinbefore described, and which dimension is illustrated in the cross sectional view of Fig. 14, so that such link substantially closes or substantially seals the space between the end flanges of the louvers and the inner surface of the outwardly projecting integral flange M of the frame side member I4, this in order to prevent entry of dust, rain or snow and the like between the end flanges of the louvers and said frame flange M.

A further important feature of my invention is the provision of anti-rattle means for the louvers in order to hold the same in non-vibrating position on their respective pivots. This means, one form of such non-vibrating and nonrattling means is illustrated in Figs. 6-7-9-l013 and 14 inclusive of the drawings; the metal springs thereof designated by reference numeral 58, which may be formed of suitable steel or steel wire or equivalent metal strands. Springs 58 are provided with a substantially semi-circular bend or loop 58a intermediate the ends of each thereof which bend engages the lower surface of each of the pivots 25. The end flanges 2|, and likewise if desired also flanges 29, are provided with inwardly struck out or punched lugs which pro vide a securing and mounting means for the springs 58, each of said lugs being so bent inwardly so as to engage and cause retention of the respective springs 58.

The ends of the springs 53 adjacent the securing lug 5-2 are passed over the upper surface of each of the pivot studs 28 as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 13, and the opposite ends of said springs are pivotaliy secured and impinged by suitable integral struck out lugs 60 which are struck out from the forward or downward portion of the end flanges of the louvers substantially as illustrated in l0 and 13. The springs 58 during manufacture, are so iormedthat they must necessariiy be mounted in the position illustrated in Figs. 10 and 13 slightly flexed and under tension so that their tendency to assume normal position will securely mount the ends of therespective louvers in positions upon pivots 25 to prevent any possible rattling by wind or the like.

I desire to also point out that the awning frame may, when desired, be hingedly mounted to either a removable screen frame or to a side member of the stationary window frame by suitable hinges GI such as illustrated in Figs. 1-2 and 3, this permitting outward hinged movement of the window awning to permit cleaning or repair is of the window or window opening.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention or any features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitations upon the invention, its concept or structural embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination, a window awning include ing a rectangular frame, the frame side members having outwardly extending integral flanges; a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted between said frame side members and including a pair of connecting members connecting the opposite ends of said louvers for united movement; said con.- necting members being mounted between the corresponding ends of said louvers and the adjacent side member of said awning frame, said frame being adapted to be mounted in a window open.- ing; a transversely extending pivotally mounted pintle secured intermediate its ends to one of said louvers said pintle being the primary means for transmitting manual force equally to both ends of said louvers to thereby prevent twisting of said louvers; a crank arm connected at one end to said pintle; and a suitable additional con-. necting member having one end pivotally connected to said crank arm and its opposite end pivotally connected to its actuating means whereby the upward or downward movement of said additional connecting member will rock said pintle and said louvers.

2. In combination with an exterior window awning including a rectangular frame having parallel side members; a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted therein and including a pivoted connecting member connecting said louvers for united movement; pivots on said side members of said frame and on which said louvers are pivoted; said connecting member being mounted between the corresponding ends of said louvers and the adjacent side member of said awning frame, said louver-connecting member having a plurality of arcuate slots therein to permit arcuate vand longitudinal movement of said louver-connecting member with respect to the pivots on which said louvers are mounted, said frame being removably mountable; a transversely extending pintle pivotally mounted in said frame and secured intermediate itsends toone of said louvers; a-crank arm connected at one of its ends to said pintle adJEGent-oneof said louver flanges, anda movable member having one-end pivotally connected ,to said cra a m an a p d to be moved in agenerally upwardend downward direction to cause'rocking movement of said pintle and pivoting of said louvers.

3. 'In an adjustable window awning -having a rectangular frame, a plurality of inwardly exte d n spa ed apa t s ds n th i r m u iaces of the side members of said frame; a plura i y of lou rs ha n ansu y b nt ove tured end flan es, c n-of said s udsextendinz thr ugh the apertures of said end f nge; to

thereby pivotally mount said louvers in coplanar positions; a pair of connecting links pivotally engaging the corresponding ends of said louvers and at opposite ends thereof respectively whereby said louvers are movable in unison; said links being adapted to be moved an equal distance to thereby transmit equal movement to both ends of said louvers, spaced apart inwardly extending projections on the inner faces of said louver end flanges; and springs mounted on said projections and having their mid portions engaging the pivot studs on which said louvers are pivotally mounted, said springs having portions thereof yieldably engaging other studs which pivotally mount said connecting link, said springs thereby preventing rattling of said louvers on their pivots and frictionally engaging the pivot studs of said connecting link to normally hold the flanged edge portions of said louvers in contacting and sealing positions.

4. In an adjustable window awning having a rectangular frame including flanged side members; a plurality of inwardly extending spaced apart studs on the interior surfaces of the side members of said frame; a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted on said studs; substantially fiat metal connecting links disposed adjacent each of said frame side members, having a plurality of inwardly extending studs thereon; apertured integral end wings on the opposite ends of each of said louvers, said links being pivotally connected to the opposite ends respectively of said louvers, and springs engaging said studs of said frame side members and the studs of said connecting link and the end wings of said louvers respectively to prevent wind-impelled rattling of said louvers and to normally hold said louvers in a position to which they are manually moved, each of said louvers having its upper longitudinal edge extending outwardly to form an integral edge sealing flange; and to normally, in closed position, contact the inner face of the adjacent louver to thereby aid in preventing rattling and in and out wind-impelled striking movement between said sealing flange and the lower edge of the adjacent louver, said springs normally causing said upper sealing flanges to maintain contact with the adjacent'lower edge portions respectively of said louvers.

5. In combination with a window awning including a frame having spaced side members and a plurality of pivotally mounted and pivotally connected louvers each of said louvers having angularly bent wings on the opposite ends thereof; a pair of movable links adapted to be manually actuated, said links being pivotally connected to said louver wings to cause the same to move in unison; a pintle journalled at both ends to said side members, crank arms secured on the opposite ends of said pintle and pivotally connected to both of said links; both of said crank arms and pintle being fixedly secured to one louver; the manual rocking movement imparted to said pintle and arms imparting equal thrusts to the pair of links and equal movements to both ends of all of said-louvers to thereby prevent distortion and twisting of the louvers.

6. In an adjustable window awning having a rectangular frame including flanged side members; the lower portion of one of said side members having an arcuate slot therein; a plurality of spaced apart pivoting studs on the interior surfaces of said frame side members; a plurality of metal louvers pivotally mounted on said studs; each of said louvers having its upper longitudinal edge extending outwardly and doubled back upon itself to form an edge sealing flange of substantially channel shaped cross section; each of said louvers having its lower edge bent and curved backwardly and in a direction opposite to the direction in which said upper louver flange extends; said lower bent edges of said louvers being located to overlie and cover the upper flanges respectively of said louvers when said louvers are in closed positions to thereby form substantially weatherproof seals therebetween, and a connecting link disposed between each of said frame side members and the adjacent pivoted ends of said louvers, a stud pin on one end of said connecting link and extending through the slot of said side member and connected to one of said louvers whereby said slot limits the opening movement of said louvers; said link operatively connecting the movable ends of said louvers; said connecting link moving in an arcuate path during opening and closing movements of said louvers, and to cause sealing engagement of the adjacent edges of said louvers when closed.

7. In combination with an exterior window awning having a rectangular frame; a plurality of louvers pivotally mounted thereon; each of said louvers being formed with integral upper and lower longitudinally extending flange portions, each of said louvers having integral apertured end flanges at the opposite ends of each thereof; a pintle pivoted at its opposite ends in opposite side portions of said frame and being connected intermediate its ends to one of said louvers, and adapted to prevent twisting of said louver; spaced apart pivoting elements on the side portions of said frame and extending through the apertures of said louver end flanges respectively; and springs mounted on and frictionally engaging said pivoting elements and having oppositely extending portions engaging the end flanges of said louvers respectively, said springs preventing rattling of said louvers holding side louvers in the positions to which they are manually set.

8. In an awning construction, a rectangular frame; a plurality of louvers having end wings, said louvers being pivotally mounted in said frame so that in closed position the lower longitudinal edge portion of each louver above the lowermost one overlies the upper edge of the adjacent louver; a movable manually operated shaft having a crank lever adjacent said frame; a pivotally mounted pintle connected to and extending through and projecting outwardly from the end wings of one of said louvers; an arm mounted on one end of said pintle; a link pivotally connected to said arm and to an end flange of each louver to cause said louvers to move in unison and in substantial parallelism; and a link connecting said pintle arm and said crank lever whereby rotation of said shaft will rock said pintle.

JOSEPH OTTI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS- 

